From 2007 to 2010, Cavill had a leading role in Showtime's television series, The Tudors, as Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk. The series was well-received: it was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2007 and won an Emmy in 2008. Cavill gave the show credit for bolstering his career: "It’s done the most for me to date. [...] Now that there's an audience somewhere in America that’s aware of who I am, I have more sell-ability, because of The Tudors."[7]Entertainment Weekly named him the "Most Dashing Duke" and praised his work on The Tudors for displaying "charm, depth and a killer bod".[8]

In 2005, Cavill was a final choice for the role of James Bond in Casino Royale.[15] The producers and director Martin Campbell were torn between him and Daniel Craig; reportedly Campbell supported Cavill but the producers preferred an older Bond.[9][16] Craig ultimately landed the role. Despite reports that he was a contender for Batman in Batman Begins, Cavill confirmed that he never auditioned for nor was offered the role.[9][15]

In early 2008, Cavill became the face of Dunhill fragrances.[17] The television ad featured a suited-up Cavill walking through the Union Jack, before mounting a helicopter.[18] A second television ad featured Cavill driving a car through a deserted London at night, and meeting with a young woman.[19] He starred in director Joel Schumacher's horror film, Blood Creek (2008), and in 2009, he had a minor role in Woody Allen’s comedy film, Whatever Works.